Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 1278: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has data on the number of fines issued or prosecutions taken in respect of cyclists riding on the footpath or motorists parking on footpaths or on cycle lanes; and if he will provide the details that are available. [2488/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that statistics are not compiled in such a way as to establish the number of fines issued or prosecutions taken in respect of cyclists riding on footpaths.

The following table shows the number of prosecutions commenced during 2006 and 2007 for careless riding of a pedal cycle, dangerous riding of a pedal cycle and riding a pedal cycle without reasonable consideration:

Following a recent operation in Dublin north inner city, school-goers were identified as the primary offenders for cycling offences. Through the Schools Programme members of An Garda Síochána aim to educate school-goers of the obligations on all road users under the Road Traffic Acts.

The Fixed Charge Penalty system was expanded with effect from 3 April, 2006 to include the offences of parking on a footpath or cycle lane.

The following table shows the number of Fixed Charge Notices issued with regard to those offences in 2006 (from 3 April)) and 2007:

I am further informed that, depending on the circumstances and seriousness of such incidents, members of An Garda Síochána may decide to deal with offenders by way of caution or warning.